US Navy Research Articles

The Marquesan Adventure of John Minor Maury

John Minor Maury was a young US navy midshipman, who was found on the South Pacific island of Nuku Hiva by the USS Essex, on 25 October 1813. Decades after the incident, a biographical sketch of Maury appeared which purported to illuminate his adventure, in an account provided by his son. For over 130 years thereafter, the tale of John Maury was based on his son's recollection. In 2020, letters written by Maury and others were discovered and studied, revealing a complex and multi-layered enterprise of which he was a part: it is this new information to which this effort is directed, with the wish to provide a complete and verified account of John Maury and the sandalwood enterprise which brought him to the Marquesas.

Exploring Influences of Eating Behaviors Among Emerging Adults in the Military

ObjectiveIdentify factors influencing eating behaviors among emerging adults in the military. DesignFocused ethnography using interviews, observations, and artifacts for data. SettingThree US Naval installations. ParticipantsThirty-two active-duty Sailors aged 18–25 years. AnalysisQualitative data were organized in NVivo and analyzed sequentially to categorize culturally relevant domains and themes using a social ecological model (SEM). Descriptive statistics were used to describe questionnaire data in SPSS (version 27.0, IBM, 2020). ResultsLeaders encouraged healthy eating through policies and messages, but cultural contradictions and environmental barriers undermined Sailors' efforts to eat healthily. Stress and resource constraints (intrapersonal), peer pressure (social), unhealthy food environments and lack of access to food preparation (environmental), and eating on the go because of mission-first norms (cultural) promoted unhealthy eating behaviors. Nutrition and culinary literacy (intrapersonal); peer support and leadership engagement (social); access to healthy, convenient, and low-cost foods (environmental); and indoctrination to healthy eating during recruit training (cultural) positively influenced eating behaviors. Conclusion and ImplicationsThe eating behaviors of service members are influenced by many modifiable factors. Targeted education, leadership engagement, and policies that make nutritious foods easily accessible, appealing, and preferred are needed.

Improving small unmanned aerial vehicle flight endurance with cryo-compressed hydrogen vessels

Detailed analysis indicates that substantial increases (22–43%) in flight endurance of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) powered by liquid hydrogen (LH2) are possible by increasing the maximum allowable pressure of the cryogenic storage vessel beyond the critical point to contain evaporated hydrogen (H2) and mitigate vent losses to the environment. Taking an existing UAV (US Naval Research Laboratory's “Ion Tiger”) as a baseline, we consider the effect of increasing Dewar maximum allowable pressure on flight endurance, under two different scenarios. In Case 1, the weight of the H2 storage system (including H2) is kept equal to the baseline design to maintain flight conditions unchanged. In Case 2, the external volume of the Dewar is kept equal to the baseline design, and the weight of the Dewar (and UAV) increases when the maximum allowable pressure increases, with the result that the propulsion power for the heavier UAV increases.The results are favorable. Although the modified Dewars have smaller inner volume (Case 1) or greater weight (Case 2) than the original Ion Tiger, flight endurance increases by 22% (Case 1) and 43% (Case 2), because the large H2 vent losses (39%) of the original design are reduced to only 1.6% (Case 1) and 1% (Case 2). The much higher utilization efficiency of the H2 stored in these modified Dewars compensates for their volume and weight disadvantages, resulting in UAVs with superior endurance.

Subcortical Gray Matter Loss and Ventricular Enlargement Define Specific HIV Biotypes (S25.008)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To identify and characterize neurodegenerative biotypes in people with HIV (PWH). <h3>Background:</h3> PWH may develop brain atrophy and neurocognitive dysfunction despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy. Distinguishing biotypes within this population is critical since they may represent unique underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and require different therapeutic approaches. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Participants in a longitudinal natural history study of a large, well-characterized, diverse cohort of PWH and matched controls underwent deep phenotyping including MRI and neuropsychological testing. Subcortical gray matter (SGM) and ventricular volumetrics were derived from FreeSurfer, then transformed into percentiles adjusted for age, sex, skull size, and MRI scanner. Correlation coefficients between percentile and clinical variables were calculated. Logistic regression assessed effects of continuous clinical variables on binary percentiles. <h3>Results:</h3> Our cohort included 209 PWH (159 male, 50 female) and 64 controls (34 male, 30 female). Subsets with the worst 20^th percentile of SGM atrophy (n=51) or ventricular enlargement (n=77) were identified. In PWH with SGM atrophy (n=43), analyses controlled for age, sex, and IQ showed positive associations with overall T-score (r=0.41, p=0.008); executive (r=0.43, p=0.004), learning (r=0.37, p=0.015), memory (r=0.38, p=0.014), and motor (r=0.36, p=0.021) domains; and global deficit score (GDS) (r=−0.37, p=0.015). Interestingly, SGM percentile also negatively correlated with total cholesterol (r=−0.44, p=0.014). Ventricular enlargement was associated with lower overall T-score in both HIV+ males (OR=0.92, CI=0.87–0.98, p=0.011) and HIV+ females (OR=0.89, CI=0.80–0.98, p=0.032). In HIV+ males, ventricular enlargement was associated with reduced verbal (OR=0.94, CI=0.89–0.98, p=0.010), speed of information processing (OR=0.96, CI=0.91–1.00, p=0.037), and motor (OR=0.94, CI=0.89–0.98, p=0.004) performance. In HIV+ females, it was associated with increased GDS (OR=8.20, CI=1.43–81.56, p=0.042) and systolic blood pressure (OR=1.04, CI=1.00–1.09, p=0.038). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> PWH with neurodegeneration can be grouped into SGM atrophy or ventricular enlargement biotypes. These subsets associate with distinct neurocognitive deficits and clinical risk factors, suggesting disparate underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. <b>Disclosure:</b> Ms. Dietrich has nothing to disclose. Ms. McMahan has nothing to disclose. Tianxia Wu has nothing to disclose. Mr. Bhagavatheeshwaran has received research support from National Institutes of Health. Dr. Reich has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Reich has received research support from Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The institution of Dr. Reich has received research support from Adelson Medical Research Foundation. The institution of Dr. Reich has received research support from Myelin Repair Foundation. The institution of Dr. Reich has received research support from Sanofi-Genzyme. The institution of Dr. Reich has received research support from Abata Therapeutics. The institution of Dr. Reich has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dr. Reich has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a CME Faculty with PeerView. Dr. Reich has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a CME Faculty with AcademicCME. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with Sanofi-Genzyme that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Board of Directors with ACTRIMS that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with Abata Therapeutics that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with Roche that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with American Brain Foundation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with University of Basel RC2NB that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with Tuscan Doctorate in Neuroscience that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial Board with Multiple Sclerosis Journal that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Reich has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with Glaxo-Smith-Kline that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Snow has received research support from NIH/NIMH. The institution of Anuradha Ganesan has received research support from NIAID. Dr. Berjohn has received personal compensation in the range of $100,000-$499,999 for serving as a Active Duty Physician salary with US Navy. Brian K. Agan has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. Dr. Nath has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Elsevier. The institution of Dr. Nath has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Nath has received research support from ALS Association. Dr. Smith has nothing to disclose.

Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research/Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía version 8 retrieval of nitric oxide and lower-thermospheric temperature

Abstract. New global nitric oxide (NO) volume mixing ratio and lower-thermospheric temperature data products, retrieved from Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) spectra with the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research and Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IMK-IAA) MIPAS data processor, have been released. The dataset covers the entire Envisat mission lifetime and includes retrieval results from all MIPAS observation modes. The data are based on European Space Agency (ESA) version 8 calibration and were processed using an improved retrieval approach compared to previous versions, specifically regarding the choice and construction of the a priori and atmospheric parameter profiles, the treatment of horizontal inhomogeneities, the treatment of the radiance offset correction, and the selection of optimized numerical settings. NO retrieval errors in individual observations are dominated by measurement noise and range from 5 % to 50 % in the stratosphere and thermosphere and reach 40 % to 90 % in the mesosphere. Systematic errors are typically within 10 %–30 %. Lower-thermospheric temperature errors are 5 to 50 K with a systematic component of around 20 K, the latter being dominated by non-thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE)-related uncertainties. NO data from different observation modes are consistent within 5 %–10 %. MIPAS version 8 temperatures have a better representation of the diurnal tide in the lower thermosphere compared to previous data versions. The new MIPAS temperatures are systematically warmer than results from the empirical US Naval Research Laboratory Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter Radar (NRLMSIS) version 2.0 model by 30 to 80 K in the 100–120 km region and are colder above.

The United States Navy and Employees with Cancer: The Time for Change Is Now.

The US Navy, including the US Marine Corps and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP), has a robust radiological protection and monitoring program meeting (and typically exceeding, in the name of conservatism) federal law requirements. The program covers the variety of ways in which the Navy produces and uses ionizing radiation and radioactive sources: in medicine, nuclear ship propulsion and repair, industrial and aircraft radiography, and myriad other unique uses in carrying out its vital mission. In executing these programs, thousands of people across the world are employed as active-duty Sailors and Marines, government civilians, and government contractors. These workers include physicians, reactor operators, radiation safety officers, and nuclear repair workers, to name but a few. The health protection standards for these workers are promulgated in the publicly available Navy Medicine P-5055 Radiation Health Protection Manual (NAVMED P-5055), published February 2011 with Change 2 published December 2022, and are applicable to Navy and Marine Corps and NNPP radiation protection programs. The NAVMED P-5055 outlines the individual medical requirements for those qualified and able to receive exposure to ionizing radiation as part of their duties and requires that "Radiation workers receive focused medical examinations to establish whether or not cancer is present which would medically disqualify a person from receiving occupational radiation exposure." Additionally, without scientific or medical basis, the NAVMED P-5055 requires disqualifying those employees who have a history of cancer, cancer therapy, radiation therapy including radiopharmaceuticals received for therapeutic purposes, or bone marrow suppression from drawing dosimetry, entering radiation areas, or handling radioactive material. This policy, which exists regardless of lifetime occupational radiation dose or projected future radiation dose, applies to all cancers except adequately treated basal cell carcinoma. The policy is not supported by relevant scientific and medical literature; does not align with reasonable professional ethical standards; does not conform to US Navy radiological training, which stipulates the assumed increased risk of developing cancer from Navy and Marine Corps and NNPP occupational radiation exposure is small; and removes critical leadership and mentoring capability from the workforce unnecessarily. This article discusses in detail (1) this policy and its ramifications to the Navy and Marine Corps and NNPP workforce and (2) recommendations, benefits, and impacts for the Navy and Marine Corps and NNPP to remove this policy and still maintain a robust radiation protection program.

Opposing powers at the helm and the immobilities of passenger‐ferry governance in Vieques, Puerto Rico

AbstractAlmost 20 years have passed since Viequenses succeeded in their struggle to kick out the US Navy from their island, yet residents have been left stranded facing issues of the dispossession of the island's most poor, alongside slow clean‐up efforts and deteriorating health outcomes. Drawing upon approaches from recent critical transportation geographies, this article uses a mobility justice framework to understand how the afterlives of over 60 years of direct militarised colonial violence continue to repeat through Viequense mobile life. I particularly focus on how Vieques' environmental injustices become mobility injustices through the poor ferry service. The article explores the governance of the maritime transportation service by disentangling its mobile politics, revealing the deeper impacts of coloniality on infrastructures of mobility. I do so through a critical policy analysis of legislative measures, plans, reports and grant proposals prepared by Puerto Rican state authorities from 1999 to 2021. Recognising the close relationship between debt and infrastructural landscapes in Puerto Rico, I use debt as an analytical tool to explain how it is constitutive of mobility regimes on the island. Through this analysis, the article centres on the creation of the Maritime Transportation Authority (ATM) as an institutional actor in charge of Viequense mobilities, detailing how it was enmeshed in fiscal and political tensions that resulted in extreme im/mobilities to its passengers. I find that the struggle for ownership over mobilities is a characteristic of the mobile politics of the ferry service, defined by an unequal power distribution between institutional actors and users, codified by public policies. This demonstrates how multiple dimensions of justice intertwine within mobility politics, aggravating existing environmental injustices into mobility injustices.

Prevalence and correlates of destructive behaviors in the US Naval Surface Forces from 2010–2020

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence of domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicide for United States Navy (USN) personnel between 2010 and 2020 and identify potential associated factors.MethodsOfficial report data were used to calculate prevalence rates and odds ratios, accounting for sample and general USN population demographic data to assess differences in over- or underrepresentation of destructive behaviors.ResultsDomestic violence and sexual assault offenders tended to be younger lower-ranked males. For sexual assaults, offenders were three times more likely to be senior to the victim, which was not the case for domestic violence. Females were overrepresented in terms of suicidal ideation and attempts relative to the USN population, while males accounted for more actual suicides. The relative rates of suicidal ideation and attempts for females exceeded those for males (i.e., comparing the sample rate against the USN male and female populations), but the sample proportion for completed suicides (compared to the USN population) were greater for males than for females. Those in the junior enlisted (E1–E3) paygrades exhibited greater odds of suicide attempts versus suicidal ideations relative to those in the Petty Officers (E4–E6) paygrades, although E4–E6s completed more suicides.ConclusionThe descriptive profile of destructive behaviors in a representative sample of USN personnel provides an overview of the possible factors associated with destructive behaviors and includes an exploration of the relational dynamics and nature of the incidents. The results suggest that sexual assault and domestic violence are characterized by unique relational dynamics and that these destructive behaviors should not necessarily be classified together as male-oriented aggressions (i.e., mainly perpetrated by males against female victims). Those in the E1–E3 and E4–E6 paygrades displayed different patterns in suicidal ideation, attempts, and actual suicides. The results highlight individual characteristics to help inform the development of targeted policies, practices, and interventions for military and other hierarchical organizations (e.g., police).

Caffeine consumption and sleep in a submarine environment: An observational study.

Submariners face many environmental and operational challenges to maintaining good sleep, including suboptimal lighting, shift work, and frequent interruptions. Anecdotally, many Sailors consume caffeine to alleviate the effects of poor sleep on alertness, mood, and performance; however, caffeine itself may also degrade sleep quantity and/or quality. This study provides the first exploration of the potential relationship between caffeine use and sleep onboard submarines. Objective measures (wrist actigraphy, available from 45 participants), self-report sleep metrics, and self-reported caffeine consumption were collected from 58 US Navy Sailors before and during a routine submarine underway at sea lasting 30 days. Contrary to expectations, less caffeine was reportedly consumed at sea (232.8 ± 241.1 mg) than on land prior to the underway (M = 284.4 ± 251.7 mg; X2 (1) = 7.43, p = 0.006), positive rather than negative relationships were observed between caffeine consumption and sleep efficiency (F = 6.11, p = 0.02), and negative relationships were observed between caffeine consumption and wake after sleep onset (F = 9.36, p = 0.004) and sleep fragmentation (F = 24.73, p < 0.0001). However, in contrast, higher caffeine consumption was also negatively related to self-reported sleep duration while at sea (F = 4.73, p = 0.03). This observational study is the first to measure relationships between caffeine consumption and sleep quantity and/or quality in a submarine environment. We propose that the unique submarine environment and the unique caffeine consumption patterns of submariners should be considered in the development of potential countermeasures for sleepiness.

3D printed titanium pump components

Titanium powder specialist IperionX and pump manufacturer Carver have partnered to develop pump components with improved corrosion resistance for the US Navy.

Innovative Use of Cadavers in Perioperative Nursing Orientation.

The Periop 101 program administrator at a US Navy medical center worked with personnel in the facility's simulation and bioskills laboratories to develop an innovative perioperative nurse orientation curriculum that included the use of human cadavers during simulation activities. Participants were able to practice common perioperative nursing skills (eg, surgical skin antisepsis) on human cadavers rather than simulation manikins. The orientation program comprises two three-month phases. Participants were evaluated twice during phase 1: at the six-week mark and again six weeks later at the end of the phase. Using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric, the administrator scored participants on their clinical judgment skills; results showed that mean scores increased for all learners between the two evaluation sessions. Practicing skills in a safe environment allows new staff members to learn without fear of causing accidental patient harm, and the additional use of cadavers further increased simulation fidelity and learner satisfaction.

SUPERFICIAL CERVICAL LYMPHADENITIS ASSOCIATED WITH STREPTOCOCCUS PHOCAE IN FIVE COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS): A CASE SERIES.

Between 2009 and 2018, five common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at the US Navy Marine Mammal Program presented with superficial cervical lymphadenitis. Clinical findings included ultrasonographic evidence of cervical lymph node enlargement, severe leukocytosis, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and reduced serum iron. Three of the dolphins presented with clinicopathologic changes without presence of clinical signs, and the other two cases additionally presented with partial to complete anorexia, lethargy, and refusal to participate in training sessions. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy of the affected lymph nodes yielded Streptococcus phocae by PCR in all cases, and the organism was cultured in one of five cases. Animals were treated with a combination of enteral, parenteral, intralesional antimicrobial, or a combination of those therapies and supportive care. Time to resolution of clinical disease ranged between 62 and 188 days. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of Streptococcus phocae cervical lymphadenitis in cetaceans. Streptococcus phocae lymphadenitis should be a differential for cervical lymphadenopathy in this species, especially when associated with pronounced systemic inflammation and a history of potential exposure.

Results and evaluation of US Navy shock trial environmental mitigation of marine mammals and sea turtles

A shock trial of a US Navy Destroyer, the USS Winston S. Churchill, was conducted offshore of northern Florida in May and June 2001. The shock trial consisted of three underwater detonation tests, spaced approximately one week apart. Environmental mitigation to minimise the impact of the shock trial on marine mammals and sea turtles was based on a Safety Range of 3.7km (2 n.miles) radius around the detonation site, and a Buffer Zone of an additional 1.85km (1 n.mile) radius beyond the Safety Range. Mitigation included site selection surveys, pre-detonation aerial, vessel and bio-acoustic monitoring, and post-detonation aerial and vessel monitoring. Six species of odontocete and two species of sea turtle were identified during mitigation monitoring, as well as several sightings that could not be identified by species. Site selection aerial surveys were implemented to select a test site with the lowest abundance of marine mammals and sea turtles. Nearly 300 animals were seen during site selection surveys. Pre-detonation aerial and vessel monitoring was implemented to sight any marine mammal and sea turtle within the Safety Range on designated test days, and track the animals until they could be verified to be outside the Safety Range. Approximately 1,200 marine mammals and 32 sea turtles were sighted during pre-detonation monitoring. Pre-detonation bio-acoustic monitoring was implemented to detect large cetaceans within the Safety Range and Buffer Zone; the only calls heard were from dolphins that could not be localised. Post-detonation monitoring was implemented to determine the effectiveness of mitigation procedures. No injured or dead marine mammals or turtles were detected during approximately 185 hours of post-detonation aerial and vessel visual monitoring. Post-detonation monitoring resulted in observations of 767 marine mammals and 42 sea turtles. With only two exceptions, the same marine mammal and sea turtle species were observed prior to, during and after the shock trial test time period. Factors leading to the success of this environmental mitigation effort are summarised, and recommendations for improvements to mitigation efforts of this size and scope are suggested. These recommendations include the use of a simultaneous second aircraft for improved coverage during pre-detonation surveys, increased post-detonation aerial monitoring, equitable survey data for all test sites under consideration during planning stages, and reassessment of bio-acoustic monitoring need and purpose.

Blue Economy and Power Politics in the Indian Ocean: Challenges and Opportunities

In order to meet the future global economic challenges, the understanding of the dynamics of the Oceans, in terms of trading aspect, is as essential for the international states as Oxygen is important for the survival of the human beings. This study is an effort to explore the Indian Ocean in the context of "Blue Economy". The Indian Ocean has been presented by the maritime strategists, as an important alternate option, in terms of the increasing dependency of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia on natural resource flows. As being the third-largest ocean in the world, it has grown its’ significance in global politics over the past three decades. It has unique geographic structure, bounded by Australia toward the South-East, Africa in the West and Asia in the North and East. Inspite of enjoying substantial size, expanding population and abundant natural resources, it has long been comparatively neglected in global geopolitics by the superpowers in 20th century. But now, rapidly growing economic challenges compelled the international states to take the Indian Ocean from economic perspective. The objectives of the study are to examine the dynamics of the Indian Ocean from both strategic and economic perspectives, to highlight the challenges, facing by China and Pakistan as a result of the Indian Maritime Strategy in the Indian Ocean and the presence of US naval forces there and finally, to identify those areas where Pakistan-China might be able to take advantage of the Indian Ocean, in the perspective of the Blue Economy. The qualitative study has been grounded, based on secondary data by applying the theory of balance of power. Finally, it offered some recommendations for China and Pakistan regarding how to address the problems that the US and India have placed in the Indian Ocean.

Mark Stille, The United States Navy in World War II: From Pearl Harbor to Okinawa by Ian Yeates

Mark Stille, The United States Navy in World War II: From Pearl Harbor to Okinawa by Ian Yeates

Mark Stille, illustrated by Paul Wright, US Navy Frigates of the Cold War by Benjamin “BJ” Armstrong

Mark Stille, illustrated by Paul Wright, US Navy Frigates of the Cold War by Benjamin “BJ” Armstrong

Brian Lane Herder, US Navy Gunboats 1885-1945 by Charles Ross Patterson II

Brian Lane Herder, US Navy Gunboats 1885-1945 by Charles Ross Patterson II

Ken W. Sayers, US Navy Patrol Vessels, a History and Directory from World War I to Today by Ian Dew

Ken W. Sayers, US Navy Patrol Vessels, a History and Directory from World War I to Today by Ian Dew

Claude Berube, On Wide Seas: The US Navy in the Jacksonian Era by Chris Costello

Claude Berube, On Wide Seas: The US Navy in the Jacksonian Era by Chris Costello

Chasing inter-species communication: what marine mammals are telling us about our oceans

Abstract I describe my path through a series of opportunities that provided stepping stones from childhood years in the landlocked US Midwest to a 45-year-long career focused on cetacean behaviour and ecology. My early interest in the ocean and dolphins led me to switch from majoring in journalism to biology during my undergraduate years. While pursuing a master’s degree focused on bioacoustics, I was employed as a contract scientist with the US Navy’s marine mammal laboratory. During 20 years there, my work ranged from dolphin calling behaviour to marine mammal distribution in Alaskan waters, culminating in a Ph.D. dissertation on cetacean habitats in the Alaskan Arctic. Subsequently, I enjoyed a 20-year career with the US NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service. There, I developed and advanced the idea that marine mammals can act as sentinels of ocean variability. To interpret the messages that marine mammals convey about the ocean, we must broaden science discourse to include Indigenous Knowledge and lessons from the experiences of people whose livelihoods depend on the sea. My advice to students and young professionals is to follow your passion while seeking the perspectives of colleagues from a variety of disciplines and people from all cultures and backgrounds. Coupled with a healthy dose of luck, this approach worked for me.